Student accommodation: can you keep it for the summer?

During the summer, many students leave their accommodation for a variety of reasons: vacation, internship or return to their families. However, others choose to stay in their city of study, and therefore keep their student accommodation. But what about the conditions of the lease? Can a student rental be kept over the summer? In this article, Garantme takes a look at the conditions to be aware of, depending on the type of lease.

Keeping your student accommodation in summer: yes or no?

Are you studying in a metropolis or student city and reluctant to give up your apartment at the end of the year? Many students can't afford to keep their room or studio during the summer. Continuing to pay rent during the summer can be a financial burden, especially if you don't have sufficient income during this period. Some students don't have the opportunity to work, as they have to do compulsory internships, take courses, prepare for exams... So renting during the summer months becomes a financial obstacle. However, returning your apartment at the end of the student year is also a constraint. In short, it's a real dilemma that many students face every year as summer approaches.

The case of halls of residence

Are you living in a hall of residence, and wondering whether you can keep your accommodation over the summer? As a reminder, a distinction is made between public university residences (or cité U) run by the CROUS, and student residences managed by private organizations. If you are housed in a Crous unit, you can keep your accommodation over the summer until the end of August. Rent will be due for these months, as for the rest of the year. However, if you wish to vacate your room during the summer, this is also a possibility. Just let CROUS staff know.

What about private tenants? It all depends on your lease, as conditions can vary from one residence to another. If you have signed a standard 12-month lease, you keep your accommodation for the summer. But if you have a specific 9-month student lease, you should be aware that it generally ends at the end of the school year (i.e., in June). You'll only be able to keep the property during the summer if an amendment to the contract is signed or a renewal agreed.

Renting privately

What if you live in a property rented from a private landlord? Mobility leases, student leases... Will you be able to keep your accommodation in the summer? Let's find out.

The furnished student lease

A furnished student lease is a rental contract for students only. Its minimum duration is 9 months (and not one year as for an ordinary furnished lease). This option has a number of advantages: students don't have to buy any furniture, but above all, it only covers the university period, enabling them to leave their accommodation before the summer.

But what if you want to keep it? If your furnished lease is due to expire at the end of the academic year, and you wish to remain in the property over the summer, you will need to sign a new contract with your landlord, or an amendment. Contact your landlord to find out the exact terms and conditions, and to make sure your furnished student lease can be extended.

Mobility leases

If you've signed a mobility lease for your student accommodation, then you can't extend the lease beyond the stipulated period, which is generally a maximum of 10 months. You'll have to move out at the end of the contract, as the lease is non-renewable.

Furnished or empty lease

If you have a classic furnished or empty lease, it is automatically renewed on expiry. This means you can keep your apartment over the summer without any problems, unless the owner informs you that he or she wants the property back.

Housing assistance for summer students

You receive personalized housing benefits (APL) from the CAF: will you receive them during the vacations? Every year, the CAF contacts you to find out whether you'll be keeping your accommodation in July and August: you must indicate whether or not you'll be keeping your room, and inform the CAF of any changes.

If you don't reply, the CAF considers that you will be leaving before the end of June. As a result, you will no longer receive housing benefit for the summer.

Good to know: to receive APL, you must occupy your apartment for at least 8 months of the year. You must therefore be away for less than 4 months.

For students, the possibility of returning your apartment during the summer varies according to the type of rental contract you have signed. For example, a furnished student lease lasts for 9 months, i.e. the duration of your academic year, and therefore requires you to vacate your accommodation before the summer. CROUS structures also have their own special arrangements. So, whether you're living in a CROUS university room, a private residence or a privately rented property, it's important to understand the terms and conditions of your lease to avoid any surprises.